On the evening of February 25, a special aircraft carrying New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and a high-level delegation landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, marking the beginning of his official visit to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum.

A milestone visit amid 50 years of diplomatic relations

This is Prime Minister Luxon’s first official visit to Vietnam, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations (June 19, 1975 – June 19, 2025) and the fifth anniversary of their Strategic Partnership.

The four-day visit, made at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, underscores the growing importance of Vietnam in New Zealand’s strategic vision for Southeast Asia. New Zealand has identified Vietnam as one of its key partners both regionally and globally.

New Zealand delegation and business interests

Accompanying Prime Minister Luxon are several key ministers, including Nicola Grigg, Minister for Trade and Investment, Women’s Affairs, Agriculture, and Accident Compensation.

The delegation also includes senior advisors from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Office, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Welcoming the New Zealand delegation at Noi Bai Airport were Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government Office.

Notably, 25 New Zealand business leaders are traveling with the Prime Minister, with plans to sign multiple cooperation agreements with Vietnamese partners. The New Zealand side hopes the visit will open up new business and trade opportunities between the two countries.

Key meetings and ASEAN Future Forum participation

On February 26, Prime Minister Luxon is scheduled to attend an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace, followed by bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a signing ceremony for cooperation agreements.

During his stay, the New Zealand Prime Minister will meet with Vietnam’s top leaders and engage in various activities in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

A highlight of his visit will be his speech at the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, reflecting New Zealand’s strong commitment to the region. Vietnam currently serves as the coordinator of ASEAN-New Zealand relations, and 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.

In recent years, Vietnam and New Zealand have made significant progress in their multi-sectoral cooperation, particularly since the official establishment of their Strategic Partnership in 2020.

With a solid foundation built over five decades of diplomatic relations, both nations are entering a new era of collaboration, unlocking fresh opportunities in trade, education, climate action, and regional security.

Tran Thuong